When Terror Takes Its Toll

Chapter 5

Courtroom Five was one of the smaller Courtrooms in the building but nevertheless the walk from the Courtroom door to the stand still felt like a long way to Steve whose every step sent a spark of pain throughout his right side. He looked up apologetically at the grey haired Judge as Gerry got him so far and he made the final few steps on his own.

"Sorry Your Honor ... I'm a little slow on my feet these days ..."

"That's perfectly alright Inspector Keller ... We understand the extent of your injuries and that you're just recently released from the Hospital. We're grateful to you for turning up and sorry for the lengthy delay you endured. Please ... take your time ..."

Steve finally reached the stand and hauled himself up the two wooden steps and sat down gingerly in the hard wooden seat, by now breathing heavily from the exertion and the discomfort of his new seating arrangements. The Clerk stepped forward with the Bible but the Judge stopped his progress with a raised hand.

"Just a moment Matthews. Give the Inspector a minute to get settled."

Steve looked sideways at the kindly Judge gratefully and smiled.

"Thank you your Honor. I'm ok now."

"Ok, I'd like to state for the record that we are allowing a witness to give testimony today under exceptional circumstances brought forward by the Prosecution in relation to this case and the charges being brought. It is also noted the Defense team held no objection to the witness taking the stand. Please state your name for the record."

"Inspector Stephen J. Keller, SFPD."

Steve heard the tapping of the stenographer and looked across to where the blonde, curvaceous form of Stacey Harwood was tapping furiously. She finished and looked up at him and smiled sweetly. Steve smiled back and then looked across to the still, sombre form of Charles Warren who sat with his head hung down beside his attorney and his smile faded rapidly as he remembered why he was here in the first place. Someone had to be in that poor man's corner. He returned his undivided attention back to the clerk as he placed his right hand on the Bible stretched out before him and listened to the words of the Clerk.

"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?"

"I do ..."

"Ok, Inspector Keller, please note this is just an arraignment and there will be no cross examination of your testimony today. We just need you to tell us in your own words what happened last Sunday at Pier 35 that relates so strongly to this case."

"Ok ..."

Steve reached out and took a sip of cool water from the glass in front of him to wet his parched lips and then clearing his throat, he started his narration.

Outside Mike paced back and forth nervously as he waited for Steve to reemerge. He wondered how things were going and looked at his watch for the umpteenth time in the last fifteen minutes just as the Courtroom doors opened and Steve limped out, accompanied by Gerry. Mike raced forward to greet him and looked at both men expectantly. Steve looked a little pained and Gerry saw Mike's worried expression. Leaning sideways, he whispered in Mike's ear as Steve made his way back towards the chair from earlier.

"He did a good job, but I think he's a little tired and sore." Then calling after the young man he added in a jovial tone. "You did good Steve, well done!"

Mike headed after Steve and stopped him mid stride.

"Alright you've done your duty ... Now let's get you home where you should have been all along, ok?"

"NO! ... I want to wait for the result ... " Steve barked unexpectedly much to Mike's annoyance.

"Now wait just a MINUTE, Buddy boy ..."

"I'm WAITING Mike ... Now could someone please get me a drink of water and two painkillers ... PLEASE ..." he added as he bypassed Mike and reaching the comfy leather chair he sunk into it and brushed a tired hand through his hair, as Mike watched him open mouthed. Gerry looked from Mike to Steve and shrugged his shoulders at the older man.

"Listen I have to get back in there ..."

"Oh well thanks for the back up ..." Mike replied sarcastically.

"Just get him some painkillers, will ya Mike?" Gerry added as he then disappeared back into Courtroom Five, leaving Mike to send one more exasperated look back at a deflated and sickly looking Steve while he headed off muttering under his breath.

"Sure ... sure, I'll get the painkillers ... He should be in bed. THAT'S where he SHOULD be. But oh no!... Does anyone listen to me? No, why should they, huh? Why all I talk is SENSE around here and who wants to listen to THAT? NOBODY ... that's who!"

Steve lifted his head as he heard Mike's fading rant and he shook his head in frustration before shifting down like before to lay his weary head against the back of the seat. He only hoped his testimony had been enough and that Warren got bail now in order to bury his daughter. He felt very tired and his back was starting to kill him again. It had been a long morning and he was only too grateful and willing to get back to Mike's for a well earned rest but first he needed to know the outcome. If all his efforts had been worthwhile. It was the last thing he needed to know before he could willingly succumb to Mike's endless fussing.

He must have dozed off again briefly because he never heard Mike return until he felt a gentle nudge on his arm and startled again as he opened his eyes to see Mike handing him a glass of water and two small blue pain pills.

"Here ... Get these down you."

"Thanks Mike ..."

Steve swallowed the pills gratefully and then looked sheepishly up at Mike who seemed to have given up arguing for now. He watched as the older man sat down opposite him.

"How did it go in there? Did you manage ok?"

"Yeah, yeah it went fine. The Judge was really nice ... Very understanding, you know?"

"What Judge was it?"

"A Judge Hardin."

Mike shook his head.

"Don't think I know him ... "

The small talk soon dried up and the two partners sat in relative silence for another fifteen minutes until Courtroom Five opened and several people started to stream out. Gerry O'Brien appeared out about fourth in line and walked towards them as both men stood up anxiously.

Gerry never gave the result away in his facial expression and Steve couldn't contain his frustration a second longer as his back throbbed mercilessly, the pain meds not kicking in yet.

"Well? ... GERRY? ..."

Gerry smiled and laughed.

"Ok, ok sorry ... They accepted his plea of guilty to involuntary manslaughter. A Prelim trial is set for two weeks time. The Judge was very impressed with your testimony Steve."

"Did he get bail Gerry?"

"He had no previous convictions and with your testimony, yes ... bail was set at eight thousand dollars ... He can cover it."

"YES ..." Steve hissed triumphantly, the sudden relief causing an extra weariness to wash over him.

Mike eyed up Steve closely and then looked back at Gerry.

"What about the Prelim? Will Steve have to testify again?"

"Possibly but not necessarily. You see my Boss was also very impressed with Steve's testimony. He doesn't feel justice would be served with prosecuting Charles Warren under the new circumstances. So it looks like we'll be putting forward the trial for dismissal."

Steve's jaw dropped open at those words.

"So he could get off without a prison sentence?"

"Possibly yes ... At worst he'll get his gun license revoked and maybe a hefty fine. He'll have to be on his best behavior from now on but I think he'll be ok."

"That's great news ... Thanks Gerry." Steve beamed finally feeling that maybe just maybe ... sometimes Justice is served as it should be.

Mike nudged Steve's shoulder as he spotted Charges Warren exit the court looking shell shocked and saw him heading straight for their position. All three men turned to face him but Warren headed straight for Steve and held out a shaky outstretched hand.

"Ins ... pector Keller, wasn't it?"

Steve took his hand and shook it warmly.

"Yes, Mr. Warren, that's right. It's good to finally be able to shake your hand and say thank you for what you did for me. You ah ... saved my life."

"Well it kind of looks like you just saved mine too ... I don't know what to say ... Except thank you ... Thank you for giving me the opportunity to bury my daughter in person."

Steve nodded and spoke from his heart.

"You're welcome. It was the least I could do after what you did for me. I'm ah ... I'm really sorry about your daughter Mr. Warren ... I only wish I could have done more to have been able to save her ..."

Charles Warren looked up with moisture filled eyes and tightened his grip on Steve's hand palpably.

"You really mean that ... don't you?"

"Yes ..."

"You know at least if I managed to save your life by what I did, it gives some meaning to Ellen's death. I just wanted people to care, you know? That she mattered and ...she didn't die in vain ... Is that so wrong?"

Steve felt a lump appear in his throat and he struggled to form his next words.

"No, Mr. Warren. That's not wrong. And she DOES matter. And we DO care. Everyone does and we're all very sorry for your loss. But Ellen would want you to be strong and carry on for her ..."

A solitary tear fell down Charles Warren's cheek and he released Steve's hand with a final shake.

"You're a good man Keller. The Police Force needs more like you ... Thank you again. I wish you a speedy recovery ..."

"Thank you."

Steve watched as Warren's attorney steered him off towards the stone steps down to the foyer and heard him prepping him for the media scrum waiting outside.

"What's the betting that Leist is down there waiting for his story, huh?" Mike added to break the gloom that had settled over his two friends.

"Yeah ... I'd say it's odds on. " Gerry answered. "Listen I'm going to have to leave you guys. I have a lunch date with my Boss and I can't be late. You take care Steve and thanks again. See ya Mike."

"Bye ..."

Mike turned and watched Steve staring down the steps distractedly and knew the morning had taken its toll almost as much as the events of the hostage siege.

More people exited the Courtroom behind them and Mike nudged Steve gently again as a blonde young woman nervously approached behind them. Turning gingerly with the help of his cane, Steve smiled as he saw Stacey Harwood before him.

"Well ... Ah ... Hi ..."

"Hi ... I just wanted to say that I thought you were very brave to take the stand when you were so badly injured like that Mr. Keller. You truly are an inspiration."

Steve looked casually sideways and saw Mike trying not to laugh before turning back to the young woman now gazing admiringly at him.

"Well ah ... thanks ... Stacey? Isn't it?"

"That's right ... You're welcome. Listen, I ah ... happen to be a fully qualified acupuncturist in my spare time. I could maybe help with you any residual pain issues you're having ... I happen to specialize in lower back pain ..." she added seductively. "Here's my number ... Just ah ... give me a call if you need any help with that, ok?"

"Ah ... sure, ok. Thanks."

Steve inhaled sharply as Stacey placed a piece of paper in his hand and then with one last flutter of her eyelashes, she headed off past him and down the steps.

As soon as she left Mike whistled and shook his head.

"Well I have to hand it to you Buddy boy. Looks like you got what you wished for, huh?"

Steve looked around at Mike nervously and shook his head negatively much to Mike's surprise. Then Mike watched in shock as Steve rolled up the piece of paper in his hand and threw it behind him, hitting the trash can expertly as it plopped into it and promptly disappeared.

"What are you doing? I thought you wanted her number?"

Leaning closer and looking horrified, Steve explained.

"Mike? Didn't you hear her? She's a acupuncturist. Don't you know what that is? "

"Well it's a Chinese alternative healing practice of some kind isn't it? It couldn't hurt ...

Steve rolled his eyes at Mike's explanation and continued in a horrified tone.

"Needles Mike. She used pins and needles to help ease your pain ... I think I've had enough pins and needles in the last few days to last me a lifetime, thank you very much ..." he added as Mike laughed again.

"Well then Buddy boy. Seeing as you are shunning the kind invitation from the young lady and her needles, are you FINALLY ready to go home now?"

Steve nodded but sighed at the same time.

"Yeah, I guess ... But I don't really feel like having to deal with Leist myself right now either."

Mike grinned from ear to ear and placing a guiding hand around Steve's shoulders, he ushered the young man off down the corridor behind him instead, allowing him time to hobble carefully along beside him on his cane.

"Well that's ok, because you don't have to. It pays to know people around here, you know?"

Steve looked confused as Paul emerged from Courtroom Four and Mike nodded at him secretively. Paul gestured for the Lieutenant to follow him and he grabbed his bunch of keys and opened a wooden door off to the right and opened it for them to exit.

"Thanks Paul ... I owe you one."

"No worries Lieutenant. You two take care."

Mike ushered Steve through the door and Steve found himself in a back corridor with a metal staircase winding down to ground level and a side exit onto the alleyway beside the Courthouse. Steve chuckled and shook his head.

"Always a step ahead, aren't you Mike?"

Mike chuckled along with him.

"Of course. That's the best place to always be Buddy boy. The only trouble is the stairs. Are you going to be able to manage them ok?"

"Let me see. Stairs or ... Leist. I think I can manage the stairs ..." he added humorously as he started limping his way down carefully with Mike holding onto him tightly every step of the way.

Soon they had reached the door and pushing it open onto the alleyway, Steve laughed again as he saw the tan LTD parked right outside the exit door, ready for a quick exit.

"Man, you thought of everything, huh? When did you move it to here?"

"While you were sleeping earlier and I got talking to Paul. Come on, let's go home."

"Ok."

Steve got into the passenger side gingerly and settled back in his seat as Mike sat into the driver's side and turned the key in the ignition. Then driving off carefully, Mike spoke across to Steve.

"You feel better now?"

Steve smiled warmly across at his partner.

"Yeah ... Yeah the painkillers are staring to kick in now. "

As they exited the alleyway, they drove past the scrum of reporters unseen as they seemed to be huddled around Charles Warren. As both men stared at the chaotic scene in passing, Mike added plainly.

"I wasn't talking about your painkillers."

Knowing then that Mike was talking about his need to help Charles Warren, Steve smiled wider.

"Yeah ... I feel a whole lot better ... Just a little tired, that's all."

"Well good, I hope that means you won't argue with me about going to bed when you get home and getting some well needed sleep!"

"No ... No, you'll get no more arguments from me. A bed sounds pretty good right about now."

"Great ... and it just so happens I made us a nice beef stew last night from one of Helen's recipes after I got home from visiting you in the Hospital."

Steve's face fell as he remembered the horrible beef stew he had had to eat at the Hospital and he turned to look pleadingly at the older man now driving expertly through the afternoon traffic. Catching the desperate look, Mike laughed and moved to put the young man out of his misery.

"Ha! Don't worry. This one actually looks like a beef stew and it tastes delicious, trust me."

Steve sighed heavily.

"Well thank God for THAT. Just ... please ... tell me there's no rice pudding for dessert."

Another hearty Stone laugh filled the car as the older man shook his head reassuringly.

"No ... No rice pudding. Ice-cream ..."

Steve's eyes lit up and he replied excitedly.

"Ice-cream? That wouldn't be ah ... chocolate flavored ice-cream by any chance?"

"That's right Buddy boy. Your favorite. Well ... I figured you've earned a special treat after all you've been through these last few days. What do you say?"

"ALRIGHT! ... I'M READY ... " Steve exclaimed enthusiastically, feeling as if he was getting a new lease of energy as the pain meds eased his discomfort to a more manageable level and there was chocolate ice-cream now to look forward to.

"You are huh? " Mike added, enjoying the welcome sight of his slowly returning, more relaxed and happy go lucky partner.

As they drove on and neared home, the silence lengthened briefly before Steve asked tentatively.

"Hey Mike? ... Did Warren say when the funeral was being held?"

Mike immediately turned to look incredulously at his passenger.

"OH NO! Now wait a minute Buddy boy. You've more than done your duty where that family are concerned. Now you have to rest and recover and take it easy until that kidney heals."

"Aw Mike ... It's the least we can do, you know? To show we really do care and besides it won't be that grueling. I can always get another seat at the graveside ... "

"Oh my GOD! Here we go again ..." Mike added exasperated as he drove a little faster in his efforts to get them both home. It was going to be one hell of a long week ahead trying to get Steve to rest and recuperate!

THE END

A/N: Not being overly familiar with the legal system in America I researched these facts to the best of my ability. It would be highly unusual for there to be witness statements at an arraignment from what I have gathered but I have used poetic license to allow this in my story line and hope you will forgive me this slight adjustment for the sake of the story. Thank you for taking the time to read this story. I hope you gleaned some measure of enjoyment from it! Until next time ...